Transition Year Night at Ashton  School, Blackrock Road, Cork is based on celebrating the holistic achievements  of students.  Display stands illustrate  the many exciting and diverse opportunities this particularly innovative year,  offers to each and every student. Transition Year Co-Ordinator,  Ian Cunningham welcomed students, their  parents/guardians, and teachers to what he promised would be a night of  celebration of all that is unique about Transition Year.

Principal Bertie Smith, Gary Wilkinson, Transition Year Student of the Year 2011,
Mary Davis – Guest Speaker – Chairperson Special Olympics Europe and Eurasia,
Ian Cunningham Transition Year Co-Ordinator.

Guest of Honour, Mary Davis, Chairperson  of the Special Olympics in Europe and Eurasia, who recently announced her  interest in entering the presidential race, commended students on their  work.  She acknowledged their successful  participation in such diverse and interesting  modules as Psychology, Work Experience, visits to Third level institutions,  Ice-skating, Accounting, the Musical – ‘Into the Woods’, French and German  Exchanges, Charity Fast, Outdoor pursuits, Fire Prevention, Drive for Life, Accountancy,  Career Days, Science laboratory experience, Media Studies, Community Action,  Home Economics and many more.

Ms. Davis suggested to the  students that in Transition Year they had been ‘surrounded by others, including  parents and teachers’, and she stated ‘They support us and that’s what brings  success’.   Her advice was simple and  succinct in relation to success in any aspect of life, she called it  ‘The three S’s:

1. See  something – have a vision for it.
2. Start  and do something about it.
3. Stick  with it, don’t give up easily.

She  concluded by reminding students of the importance of ‘giving your best to  everything’. Students were  then  presented  with  awards and certificates in recognition of  their dedication and commitment to all the assignments and challenges set for them  during the year, by Mary Davis.   In a break with tradition, and in  recognition of one of  his final formal  functions as Principal, Bertie Smith  presented   the Bertie Smith Perpetual Cup, to the  overall Transition Year Student of the Year  2011, Gary Wilkinson.   This  announcement was greeted with tumultuous and warm applause by his peers, such is  the esteem in which he is held.   Year  Head,  Dorothy Fogarty extended congratulations  to Gary Wilkinson and to his parents.  Ian  Cunningham concluded the evening by extending warm congratulations to Gary  Wilkinson,  a  most worthy recipient.

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